Monte Holidays

Monte was once a health resort for the well-to-do of Portuguese society but is nowadays more famous for the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, famous for its collection of tiles, statues, Koi carp, swans and peacocks and its Oriental influenced design.

Monte Toboggan

Cable cars can take you up to the small village of Monte which is about 6km distant from Funchal, but it is more famous for the toboggan sledges that can take you back down. Introduced in 1850 the wicker sledges remain remarkably unchanged, gliding downhill on wooden runners at speeds approaching 50km per hour. Brakes come courtesy of the rubber-soled boots of the two traditionally dressed gentleman who steer each sledge.

Originally designed to carry freight down the three mile slope between Monte and Livramento, Monte’s famous wicker baskets were re-engineered at some point in the 19th century to accommodate seating for a couple of passengers. Each wicker carriage is controlled by two conductors in traditional dress who push, pull and brake as required. The simple braking mechanism consists of the boots, with car tyre tread for soles, worn by the conductors! From €25 per person or €15 per person for two people sharing.

Monte was once a health resort for the well-to-do of Portuguese society but is nowadays more famous for the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, famous for its collection of tiles, statues, Koi carp, swans and peacocks and its Oriental influenced design.

Monte Toboggan

Cable cars can take you up to the small village of Monte which is about 6km distant from Funchal, but it is more famous for the toboggan sledges that can take you back down. Introduced in 1850 the wicker sledges remain remarkably unchanged, gliding downhill on wooden runners at speeds approaching 50km per hour. Brakes come courtesy of the rubber-soled boots of the two traditionally dressed gentleman who steer each sledge.

Originally designed to carry freight down the three mile slope between Monte and Livramento, Monte’s famous wicker baskets were re-engineered at some point in the 19th century to accommodate seating for a couple of passengers. Each wicker carriage is controlled by two conductors in traditional dress who push, pull and brake as required. The simple braking mechanism consists of the boots, with car tyre tread for soles, worn by the conductors! From €25 per person or €15 per person for two people sharing.

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Travel and Health advice

Before you go, you should seek up to date advice from the UK FCO www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice about travel to, and within, your chosen destination, noting the importance of regularly checking for the latest information. Additionally, with regards to vaccinations and health requirements, you should check with your GP surgery or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk for specific advice.